Car Maintenance

UK Drivers Embrace DIY Maintenance: Jeep Owners at the Forefront, eBay Reports

Empowering DIY Car Maintenance: Jeep Owners Lead the Charge

A recent study by eBay has uncovered a fascinating trend in car maintenance across the United Kingdom, highlighting Jeep owners as the most proactive in taking on their own vehicle upkeep. This finding underscores a significant shift towards a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach among various car brands, as motorists seek to take control of their maintenance needs and reduce costs.

Unlocking the Power of DIY: Jeep Owners Lead the Charge

Jeep Owners Dominate the DIY Maintenance Landscape

The eBay study reveals that Jeep owners are dramatically more likely to engage in DIY car maintenance compared to the average car owner. Specifically, Jeep drivers are an astounding 81 times more likely to perform their own vehicle upkeep. This finding underscores the growing trend among UK motorists to take a hands-on approach to maintaining their vehicles.Chevrolet and Peugeot owners also demonstrate a strong inclination towards DIY repairs, with Chevrolet owners being 62 times more inclined towards DIY maintenance and Peugeot owners 47 times more likely to handle repairs themselves. Other brands with notable DIY maintenance tendencies include MINI, Vauxhall, SEAT, Škoda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, and Fiat, showcasing the widespread appeal of this self-reliant approach.

Jeep Parts and Maintenance: A Closer Look

The study delves deeper into the specific parts and maintenance activities that Jeep owners are focusing on. From January to June of this year, the most sought-after Jeep parts on eBay included replacement batteries, door edge protector strips, and outside air temperature sensors for the Jeep Renegade model.eBay's extensive parts selection, including new, pre-owned, and Certified Recycled options, provides Jeep owners with a wide range of affordable and reliable solutions. Certified Recycled parts, in particular, offer significant savings, up to 70% cheaper than original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, while still coming with warranties for added peace of mind.

Simplifying the DIY Experience: eBay's "My Garage" Feature

eBay's "My Garage" search function plays a crucial role in facilitating the DIY maintenance experience for car owners. By entering a vehicle's registration number, users can easily find compatible parts, streamlining the process of locating the right components for their specific make and model.This feature, accessible through the desktop version of eBay, empowers DIY enthusiasts by providing a user-friendly platform to identify and source the necessary parts, further enhancing their ability to take control of their vehicle's upkeep.

Official Brand Stores: Expanding DIY Possibilities

In addition to the wide range of parts available, eBay also hosts official brand stores for numerous car manufacturers, including BMW, Ford, Lexus, MINI, Suzuki, and Toyota. These dedicated stores offer genuine OEM parts, providing DIY-minded car owners with direct access to high-quality components from the original manufacturers.Furthermore, classic brands such as Jaguar Classic and Land Rover Classic have established their own stores on the eBay platform, catering to the needs of enthusiasts and owners of vintage and classic vehicles who seek to maintain their prized possessions through DIY efforts.

Driving Down Costs: The Financial Benefits of DIY Maintenance

Abir Tewari, the UK Director of Commercial Operations Parts & Accessories at eBay, highlighted the significant cost savings associated with DIY car maintenance. With average garage labor rates in the UK now exceeding £75 per hour, undertaking one's own vehicle upkeep can be a practical way to reduce running costs.The eBay study reveals that Jeep drivers are particularly hands-on, being nearly twice as likely to perform their own maintenance compared to the average car owner. This trend underscores the growing appeal of DIY maintenance as a means to optimize personal budgets and take control of one's vehicle's well-being.

Tesla Owners: A Contrasting Approach

In contrast to the DIY-focused Jeep owners, the study found that Tesla drivers are notably less inclined to perform their own maintenance. In fact, Tesla owners are 79 times less likely than the average UK car owner to handle repairs themselves.This finding suggests that Tesla owners may be more reliant on professional services, potentially due to the specialized nature of their vehicles or the manufacturer's recommendations for maintaining vehicle warranties and adhering to routine maintenance requirements.

Neighborhood Ford Store takes Steelers rookies to school on vehicle maintenance

Steelers Rookies Gain Valuable Insights into Vehicle Maintenance at Neighborhood Ford Store

In a unique partnership, the Neighborhood Ford Store in Pittsburgh recently hosted a group of Steelers rookies for a hands-on lesson in vehicle maintenance. The event aimed to equip the young players with essential knowledge and skills to keep their cars running smoothly, a crucial aspect of their off-field responsibilities as professional athletes.

Empowering Steelers Rookies to Become Savvy Car Owners

Bridging the Gap Between Football and Automotive Expertise

The Steelers rookies, fresh-faced and eager to learn, arrived at the Neighborhood Ford Store with a mix of excitement and trepidation. While their primary focus was on honing their skills on the gridiron, they recognized the importance of understanding the fundamentals of vehicle maintenance. The partnership between the Steelers organization and the local Ford dealership provided an invaluable opportunity for the young players to gain practical knowledge and confidence in managing their personal transportation.

Hands-On Lessons in Automotive Maintenance

Under the guidance of the Neighborhood Ford Store's experienced technicians, the Steelers rookies delved into the inner workings of their vehicles. They learned how to change a tire, check fluid levels, and perform basic troubleshooting. The hands-on approach allowed the players to not only understand the theoretical aspects of car care but also develop the practical skills necessary to maintain their vehicles independently.

Fostering a Sense of Responsibility and Independence

Beyond the technical skills, the Steelers rookies gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of vehicle maintenance. They recognized that proper care and attention to their cars could not only extend the life of their vehicles but also contribute to their overall well-being and financial stability. This newfound knowledge empowered the young players to take a more active role in managing their personal transportation, fostering a sense of responsibility and independence that will serve them well both on and off the field.

Building Lasting Connections and Camaraderie

The Neighborhood Ford Store's commitment to supporting the Steelers organization extended beyond the classroom. The event provided an opportunity for the rookies to bond with one another, sharing their experiences and learning from each other's perspectives. This camaraderie not only strengthened the team's unity but also created a lasting connection between the players and the local community.

Investing in the Future of the Steelers Franchise

The partnership between the Neighborhood Ford Store and the Steelers organization demonstrates a shared commitment to the long-term success of the team. By equipping the rookies with essential life skills, the dealership is investing in the personal and professional development of the next generation of Steelers players. This holistic approach to player support not only benefits the individuals but also strengthens the foundation of the entire franchise.

Fostering a Lasting Impact on the Steelers Rookies

The Steelers rookies who participated in the Neighborhood Ford Store's vehicle maintenance program are poised to carry the lessons they learned into their professional careers and beyond. The knowledge and skills they acquired will empower them to make informed decisions about their personal transportation, ultimately contributing to their overall financial well-being and quality of life. This investment in the players' off-field development is a testament to the Steelers organization's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who can thrive both on and off the field.
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Study highlights ‘critical’ importance of maintaining Roam fleet

Revamping Roam Transit's Maintenance Strategies for a Sustainable Future

Bow Valley's public transit system, Roam, is undergoing a comprehensive review of its maintenance practices to address rising costs and operational challenges. A new study commissioned by the organization has uncovered several areas for improvement, paving the way for a more efficient and cost-effective maintenance approach as Roam continues to expand its fleet and services.

Streamlining Maintenance, Enhancing Reliability

Defining Maintenance Standards and Accountability

The study recommends that Roam establish a master service agreement with the Town of Banff, its maintenance provider, to formalize maintenance goals, repair standards, and preventative maintenance programs. This would create a clear framework for accountability, ensuring that both parties understand their responsibilities and work towards a shared vision of maintaining the transit fleet to the highest standards. By defining specific repair and inspection criteria, Roam can ensure that its vehicles never fail basic government inspections, as key safety and operational components would be addressed through proactive maintenance.

Strengthening Maintenance Management and Oversight

The study suggests that Roam should create a dedicated head of maintenance position to oversee all maintenance-related activities, including those performed by the Town of Banff. This would provide a centralized point of control and improve the coordination between Roam and its maintenance provider. Additionally, the report recommends that the Town of Banff enhance its internal maintenance management plan to schedule repairs more proactively, allowing for a smoother and more efficient repair process.

Optimizing Maintenance Processes and Procedures

The study identified several areas where Roam can optimize its maintenance processes and procedures. These include implementing a comprehensive preventative maintenance program that addresses wear items beyond the minimum government requirements, as well as establishing a more detailed system for tracking maintenance events and the next steps needed for repairs. By taking a more proactive and data-driven approach to maintenance, Roam can reduce downtime, improve fleet reliability, and potentially realize cost savings in the long run.

Addressing Staffing Challenges

The study highlighted the significant challenge that Roam, like many transit organizations across the country, faces in finding and retaining skilled maintenance staff. To address this, the report recommends that Roam develop a strategy to attract, develop, and retain qualified mechanics, potentially through initiatives such as apprenticeship programs and competitive compensation packages. By investing in its maintenance workforce, Roam can ensure that it has the necessary expertise to keep its diverse fleet of buses in top condition.

Aligning Maintenance with Operational Needs

As Roam continues to expand its fleet and services, the study emphasizes the importance of aligning maintenance strategies with the organization's operational requirements. This includes considering the impact of having multiple bus models, which can complicate maintenance efforts and parts procurement. By carefully planning for future growth and maintenance needs, Roam can ensure that its maintenance practices remain efficient and effective, supporting the delivery of reliable transit services to the Bow Valley community.

Embracing a Proactive Maintenance Mindset

At the heart of the study's recommendations is a shift towards a more proactive and strategic approach to maintenance. By establishing clear standards, enhancing oversight, optimizing processes, and addressing staffing challenges, Roam can position itself to better anticipate and address maintenance needs, rather than reactively responding to issues as they arise. This proactive mindset will be crucial in ensuring the long-term sustainability and reliability of Roam's transit operations.
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